Heat wave in Mexico leaves at least 100 dead, authorities say
Friday, June 30, 2023, 11:08 GMT+7
MEXICO CITY -- At least 100 people have died over the past two weeks in Mexico due to heat-related causes as temperatures climbed close to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in parts of the country, the health ministry said on Thursday.
A three-week-long heat wave this month strained the energy grid with record demand, forced authorities to suspend classes in some areas and left many Mexicans sweltering.
Over two-thirds of the deaths came the week of June 18-24, with the remainder the previous week, the ministry said in a report on extreme temperatures. During the same period last year just one heat-related fatality was registered.
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| A man sells bottled water during a red traffic light as high temperatures continue, in Monterrey, Mexico, June 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters |
Nearly all the deaths were attributed to heat stroke, with a handful from dehydration. Around 64 percent of the deaths occurred in northern state of Nuevo Leon bordering Texas. Most of the rest were in neighboring Tamaulipas and Veracruz on the Gulf coast.
In recent days, temperatures have fallen as the rainy season has brought much-needed precipitation.
However, some northern cities are still seeing high temperatures. In the state of Sonora, the town of Aconchi saw highs of 49 degrees Celsius (120 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday.
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| People walk across the street as high temperatures continue, in Monterrey, Mexico June 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters |
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| A general view shows a sunny afternoon as high temperatures continue, in Monterrey, Mexico June 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters |
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| A woman walks along the sidewalk, shielding herself from the sun with her hand as high temperatures continue, in Monterrey, Mexico June 28, 2023. Photo: Reuters |
